In English there are a number of conventions that should be used when writing
a formal or business letter. Furthermore, you try to write as simply and as
clearly as possible, and not to make the letter longer than necessary. Remember
not to use informal language like contractions.

Addresses:

1) Your Address
The return address should be written in
the top right-hand corner of the letter.

2) The Address of the person you are writing to
The
inside address should be written on the left, starting below your
address.

Date:

Different people put the date on different sides of the page. You can write
this on the right or the left on the line after the address you are writing to.
Write the month as a word.

Salutation or greeting:

1) Dear Sir or Madam,
If you do not know the name of the
person you are writing to, use this. It is always advisable to try to find out a
name.

2) Dear Mr Jenkins,
If you know the name, use the title
(Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms, Dr, etc.) and the surname only. If you are writing to a
woman and do not know if she uses Mrs or Miss, you can use Ms, which is for
married and single women.

Ending a letter:

1) Yours FaithfullyIf you do not know the name of the
person, end the letter this way.

2) Yours Sincerely
If you know the name of the person,
end the letter this way.

3) Your signature
Sign your name, then print it
underneath the signature. If you think the person you are writing to might not
know whether you are male of female, put you title in brackets after your name.